I think I have the right to reply through your letters section to Mr Ian Jones (They give their time - give them a cuppa', Echo, May 17) who replies to my letter regarding the tax payers money spent on councillors tea, coffee and buffets.

Dorset has 45 councillors, each is paid an allowance of approximately £10,000 pa. In addition to that some claim a responsibility allowance, and all claim travel and subsistence allowance.

I have no objection to this whatsover; my grudge is that in addition to this we pay out £12,000 for their tea, coffee and buffets when we are all aware that the purse is shrinking and we the tax payers meet these expenses in a host of ways.

Mr Jones also forgot to mention my point about the MPs throughout the country who are milking the system as I outlined and this has been made public in the press nationally.

We are all tightening our belts - so should those who make decisions on our behalf.

I would not be so rude as to tell Mr Jones to grow up; as a matter of interest my mother informs me I grew up some 40 years ago.

Maybe we should discuss this over a cup of coffee? Who is paying?

Tony Eames, Wyke Regis.